On May 31, 1938, the first Clipper was barged down the Duwamish River from Boeing's plant in preparation for the first flight. This is actually the second Clipper being being edged sideways by two tugboats through the West Spokane Street Bridge. less

On May 31, 1938, the first Clipper was barged down the Duwamish River from Boeing's plant in preparation for the first flight. This is actually the second Clipper being being edged sideways by two tugboats ... more

Photo: SEATTLE P-I ARCHIVE 1938

On May 31, 1938, the first Clipper was barged down the Duwamish... Photo-4746381.64021 - seattlepi.com

Image 3 of 33

Boeing's written history of the Clipper says: "As airplane travel became popular during the mid-1930s, passengers wanted to fly across the ocean, so Pan American Airlines asked for a long-range, four-engine flying boat." less

Boeing's written history of the Clipper says: "As airplane travel became popular during the mid-1930s, passengers wanted to fly across the ocean, so Pan American Airlines asked for a long-range, four-engine ... more

Photo: George Strock, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

Boeing's written history of the Clipper says: "As... Photo-4746396.64021 - seattlepi.com

Image 4 of 33

The Clipper was 106 feet long, with a 152-foot wingspan, weighed 84,000 pounds and could carry 10 crew members and 74 passengers 3,500 miles at a cruising speed of 184 mph and altitude up to 19,600 feet.

The Clipper was 106 feet long, with a 152-foot wingspan, weighed 84,000 pounds and could carry 10 crew members and 74 passengers 3,500 miles at a cruising speed of 184 mph and altitude up to 19,600 feet.

In 1943, the Dixie Clipper, shown here, flew President Franklin D. Roosevelt to
meet with Winston Churchill at the Casablanca conference. On the way
home, Roosevelt celebrated his birthday in the flying boat's dining
room. less

In 1943, the Dixie Clipper, shown here, flew President Franklin D. Roosevelt to
meet with Winston Churchill at the Casablanca conference. On the way
home, Roosevelt celebrated his birthday in the flying ... more